Chautauqua County officials will submit an overall plan next year for making local government more cost-efficient to qualify for the state's two-year, Tax Freeze program. That from County Executive Vince Horrigan... who says they had a standing-room only crowd of 90 people for this week's Shared Services Forum in Mayville. Horrigan says the combined plan -- right now -- would save about one-million dollars. From that perspective... he calls it a "very successful" forum. Horrigan says a final plan will have to be submitted by June of 2015... and, they're optimistic they can have a plan ready by then. Horrigan says local government and school officials heard from State Association of Counties representative Dave Lucas on the proposal. In 2015... those governments and school districts have to keep their taxes under the 2-percent property tax cap. Horrigan says Lucas indicated that localities... including counties... need to show the state Department of Taxation and Finance that they are "making progress" towards cutting costs, or sharing services.

Gas prices in Jamestown-area unchanged this week...

There's been no change in gasoline prices this week in the Jamestown area... as the average price remains about $3.89 a gallon. Most service stations have a rounded price of $3.90 a gallon for regular, unleaded. The AAA's Fuel Gauge Report says... nationally... the average price for regular, unleaded is $3.61 per gallon... which is about 4-cents a gallon less than one week ago. AAA says Wednesday was the 18th consecutive day the national average has decreased. As predicted by AAA... the retail price at the pump continued to tick lower following the Independence Day holiday due primarily to lower crude oil costs as the situation stabilizes in Iraq. The national average may continue to slide or remain flat, barring any geopolitical concerns, major hurricane or refinery disruptions. Although the situation in Iraq remains unresolved, the possibility of disruptions to supply is increasingly viewed as unlikely.

Annual Scandinavian Folk Festival underway...

Several events and activities are underway... and, are taking place this weekend at the annual Scandinavian Folk Festival at the Gerry Rodeo Grounds on Route 60. One of the organizers... Scott Axelson... says activities continue today throught 10 p.m. Music will be one area that's squarely in the spotlight for the weekend... starting with the tribute band "ABBA Girls" -- which is the biggest act they've ever brought in. They perform tonight at 7:30... and, at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are still available at a number of locations for each day... or the entire weekend. He adds the culture of Scandinavia will also be a prime focus this weekend with a number of lectures and demonstrations. He says one will be on the history of Swedish markets in Jamestown. Axelson says if you plan on spending much of the weekend at the Scandinavian Folk Festival... a weekend pass will cost you $15. For more information...go on-line to www.scandinavianjamestown.org.